Don Ator

Mr. Ator holds an MBA with concentrations in Accounting and Finance, an MS in Economics and Agriculture Economics from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA, and a BS in Agribusiness from Tarleton State University in Stephenville, TX. Since 2015 he has served as an undergraduate academic advisor, Agribusiness Club Faculty Advisor, and Instructor for the following courses in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness: AGEC 3203 Marketing of Agricultural Products and Risk Management, AGEC 2003 Introduction to Agricultural Economics, and AGEC 4443 Farm and Rural Land Appraisal. In his spare time he serves as a 4-H Volunteer and serves on University Hearing Panels for the LSU Division of Student Affairs, Office of Student Advocacy & Accountability.

He joined LSU in 2014 as a Research Associate conducting research in financial resiliency analysis of local governments in Louisiana, Texas, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, and Nebraska. The research involved collection of Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports of local governments and analysis of data from the Statements of Net Assets, Changes in Capital Assets, Statements of Net Activities, and Combined Balance Sheets. 

Prior to joining LSU Mr. Ator spent 35 years as an Economist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Gulf South Research Institute (GSRI), and three Architect-Engineer (AE) firms developing and analyzing economic data and preparing reports evaluating the economic feasibility of civil works water resources projects for flood risk management and navigation improvement projects nationwide. In addition, he developed the socioeconomic sections of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance documents for coastal storm risk management projects, transportation projects, and military base activities.

Prior to completing Graduate School at LSU he served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Officer Training Program and as Student Body President at Tarleton State University.